Tough questions

Glen Murray was obviously not on the ice during the regular practice, and veterans Marc Savard, P.J. Axelsson and Marco Sturm had the morning off.

Aaron Ward skated for a few minutes and left early.

"I’m older so I don’t have to keep reminding myself that I can still skate," said Ward, with a chuckle after the session.

However, with seven defensemen in the locker room, somebody has to join yours truly in the press box.

"We’re waiting for tonight to make the final decision," said Bruins head coach Dave Lewis.

When pressed for an answer about the late decision, the normally open Lewis said, "We’re just waiting for tonight."

Getting back to Glen, when asked if Murray was done for the season, Coach said, "I don’t know."

Ouch.

Stylistic trendsCoach Lewis explained that while the Bruins have not seen Minnesota recently, their game is not unique.

"They are very similar to New Jersey," said Lewis. "And we got to the net in New Jersey, so that is what we have to do (tonight).

"We’re capable of doing it, but we have to execute it (too)."

Beyond their similarities to the Devils, what else can we expect from the Wild, Coach?

"They have one guy in particular, (Marian) Gaborik, that likes to get behind you. (He) creates space and is such a fast dynamic player that we have to be aware of him," said Lewis. "He hasn’t played a lot of the season and his numbers are really good for the games he has played."

Kobasew, in number twoChuck Kobasew will see action in just his second game with Boston since coming over in the trade with Calgary.

What does Coach Lewis expect from the young forward?

"He played a little more minutes than we thought he would play," said Lewis of Chuck’s first game. "And he feels comfortable and good."

And he can play even better than what we saw versus Colorado.

"He didn’t have all of the timing (he normally would)," said Lewis.

The head coach seemed unworried, however, and thinks those things will come along as he plays a few more games after recovering from his elbow injury.

For his part, Kobasew is just excited to be back playing and knows exactly what he needs to do versus Minnesota tonight.

"You have to be prepared to bring a lot of energy," said Chuck. "When this team is skating and hitting, (we) are getting our chances and that’s (how the B’s) can dictate the momentum of the game."